Can the New iPad Pro Truly Replace Your Laptop
253Apple recently announced its latest iPad Pro featuring the new M5 chip and a fresh version of iPadOS 26. This combo makes the iPad Pro more powerful and versatile than ever, raising the question: could it really stand in for a laptop? While the hardware looks similar to last year’s model, there are some notable upgrades underneath, like more RAM, faster SSDs, quicker charging, and Wi-Fi 7 support. Plus, it now sports Apple’s newest processor, the M5.
What’s New with the Hardware and Performance
The M5 chip is a step up from previous Apple Silicon processors, though it’s not a huge leap from the M4. For most users who mainly browse the web or use cloud apps, the performance boost is modest. But for those working with graphics, video editing, or running on-device AI models, the M5 really shines.
Most large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, are still run in the cloud. You send your questions to a remote server, and it sends back the results. But some companies are building local models that keep your data on your device for privacy reasons. And running these models requires serious processing power, which is where the M5 comes into play. Apple also increased RAM on the new iPad Pro—up to 12GB on lower models and 16GB on higher-end versions—to better handle AI tasks and multitasking.
The new hardware isn’t just about AI. Artists and designers benefit from higher-end options that include nano-textured glass, reducing reflections and giving a more paper-like feel when sketching with the Apple Pencil. The device also features an upgraded networking chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, which improves wireless speeds and connectivity.
How iPadOS 26 Changes the Game
Apple has finally made the iPad more flexible with iPadOS 26. For years, Apple kept the iPad in a sort of separate box from the Mac, limiting multitasking and windowed app support. Now, the latest version of the OS finally brings true multitasking, better file management with a Files app that resembles Finder or Windows Explorer, and improved window support. These features push the iPad closer to replacing a traditional laptop.
Running smoothly requires serious processing power, and the M5 delivers that. Although iPadOS 26 can run on older iPads with M-series chips, the best performance and multitasking capabilities come from the newest iPad Pro models. Older devices might struggle with running multiple apps at once, which highlights that this OS update is designed with the latest hardware in mind.
Turning a Tablet into a Laptop: What You Need
Even with all these upgrades, turning an iPad Pro into a true laptop replacement takes some extra gear. At the very least, a keyboard is essential. Apple offers its Magic Keyboard, but there are many third-party options too. Support for mouse and trackpad input further blurs the line between tablet and laptop.
Adding a case, especially one with a built-in keyboard, is a good idea to protect your device. But these accessories come at a price. The base model of the iPad Pro starts at $999, and when you add a keyboard ($299-$349), an Apple Pencil ($79 or $129), and optional upgrades like nano-textured glass or cellular, the total cost can climb past $2,600. That’s more than many laptops, including MacBook Airs.
The new iPad Pro is definitely powerful enough to replace a laptop for many tasks, especially for creative professionals and those working with AI. But the cost can be steep, and for many businesses, it might still be easier to stick with traditional laptops or consider the lower-priced iPad Air, which starts at $400 less. An upgraded iPad Air with M5 could make the idea of a tablet-based workforce more feasible.
For now, the iPad Pro is more likely to appeal to designers, executives, and power users who need high performance and are willing to pay a premium. While it’s getting close to replacing laptops in many scenarios, the price still puts it out of reach for the average employee. Watching how Apple updates and prices future models will be interesting to see if tablets can truly shake up the traditional computing landscape.
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